How to convert Singapore Driving License to Japan Driving License

date

Apr 9, 2023

slug

singapore-japan-driving-license

status

Published

Check your eligibility

Before applying for the conversion, check if you are eligible to do so.

According to the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), anyone who holds a valid Class 3, 3A, or 2B license for more than 3 months can apply for conversion.

Prepare the required documents

You will need the following documents for the conversion:

Valid Singapore driving license

Japanese translation of your license (can be obtained from JAF or a licensed translation agency)

Passport

Residence card or visa

Photo(3cm × 2.4cm)

You can read the official document:

www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/traffic_safety/drivers_licenses/index.files/convert_license_english.pdf

And also, the JAF can translate your driving license by web, they would send a mail to you when they finished their work.

Valid Driving License

This page about Valid Driving License In Japan

https://english.jaf.or.jp/driving-in-japan/drive-in-japan

Apply for the conversion

Submit the required documents to your nearest Driver's License Center in Japan. You may also need to take a written and practical driving test, depending on your driving experience and the type of license you hold.

I live in Tokyo, so I can introduce the centers in Tokyo.

Tokyo has two driver’s license Examination centers:

Samezu Driving License Examination Center

Fuchu Driving License Examination Center

Koto Driver’s License Testing and Issuing Center

I went to Samezu Driving License Center, here is some advice for you if you want to go there also.

The conversation counter is on the 3rd floor, prepare your documents and you can find the counter.

The center has a restaurant, you can go there early and have breakfast.

The counter can speak some simple English, so don’t worry.

They would ask you to test your eyes and answer some questions. First, you should go to the nearby counter to pay the fee. And then, you should go to the 1st floor to test your eyes, it is very easy to test your vision. You can take your result to go back 3rd floor, and return the result to the counter, they would ask you to answer 10 questions in a small room. When they call your name, you can enter the small room, there are two computers and you can choose English to answer the questions. If you answer 7 questions correctly, you can pass this exam.

The final step is to book the driving skill test, in my experience, the test could be booked after 2-3 months. And you call them to change the date (if the date is available).

Here is a video of the driving skill test, and I also recommend you find a coach.

Japanese License Samezu Driving Circuit

Foreign driving license conversion. Get familiarized with the driving circuit at Samezu Tokyo before the practical exam. This would be very helpful as this guides you to identify stops, blind spots, curves, pedestrian crossings etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdHV5owcj1A&ab_channel=KunalNijhawan

Notice: The Samezu and Fuchu Driving License Examination Centers allow you to have a try on weekends. But the time slot is very few, so just call 03-6717-3086 (8:30-17:00)

Receive your Japanese driving license

When you passed the skill test, you can get your driving license on that day.

I hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of converting your Singapore driving license to a Japanese one.

Remember to check your eligibility, prepare the required documents, and apply for the conversion at your nearest Driver's License Center in Japan.

Don't forget that you may need to take a written and practical driving test, depending on your driving experience and the type of license you hold. Good luck with the process and safe driving in Japan!